This chapter addresses the first component of a positive behavior support
(PBS) plan: antecedent and setting event interventions. As discussed
throughout this book, interventions for problem behavior have long
focused on reactive strategies alone, usually in the form of punishment, that
are implemented after problem behaviors occur. Only recently have the
value and importance of antecedent and setting event interventions been
fully appreciated. The strength of these approaches lies in their ability to
prevent problem behaviors from occurring. Such an outcome is beneficial
not only to the student (whose behavior may cause self-harm, isolation,
stigmatization, and the like), but also to others (who may experience environmental disturbance, intrusion, or injury resulting from disruptive and
aggressive acts). Furthermore, reducing problem behavior through prevention provides opportunities to teach new and alternative skills—a task that
is virtually impossible amidst problem behaviors. In this chapter, we first
provide a definition and overview of antecedent and setting event interventions. We then give descriptions of numerous types of antecedent interventions that have been documented in the research literature to effectively
reduce challenging behavior. Embedded are strategies for selecting anteced-

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